Some believe that large companies that will control growth and distribution of legal marijuana will have too much influence over government regulation.

"Whether you look at alcohol, tobacco or pharmaceuticals, the government seems to be a lot friendlier to industry interests than public-health concerns," Michael Devillaer, drug policy expert at McMaster University, told Al Jazeera.

Despite the proposed plan to legalise marijuana, police across Canada continue to arrest and charge people for possession and selling the drug.

Activists looking to decriminalise the drug have criticised the government plans.

"The government is looking to allow people in suits to go on the stock market and sell marijuana,"Jodie Emery, a marijuana activist, said.

"But anyone who grew it before is going to remain a criminal and not be allowed to participate in the industry."